A new report released Tuesday by the California Department of Public Health revealed that the number of reportable sexually transmitted diseases is at a 20-year high, with the number of cases rising faster compared to the rest of the country.

"Cases of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia are going up in California at a concerning rate," CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said. "This is the second year in a row that we have seen increases in all three diseases."

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The report found 249,224 reportable cases of STDs in California in 2015 -- 189,937 cases of chlamydia, 54,255 cases of gonorrhea and 4,890 cases of syphilis in different stages, officials said.

California has seen an 11.6 percent increase in STDs since 2014. Health officials attribute the increase to changes in sexual behavior -- such as a decline in condom use and increased number of partners -- barriers to access care and testing, and improved health reporting.

The number of syphilis, gonorrhea and chlamydia cases has reached a record high level in the United States, with the largest increase (19 percent) being syphilis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

STD rates in California are the highest in people ages 15 to 24, especially women. Gay and bisexual men in California are also at high risk to contract STDs, according to the CDPH.

"Using condoms regularly and correctly, reducing the number of sexual partners and being in a monogamous relationship can dramatically reduce risk of contracting an STD," Smith said. "In addition, I urge sexually active individuals to get tested regularly. With these measures, we can stem the rising tide of STDs in California."